# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_January 26 1967_S4
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

1.

To clarify and to strengthen constitutionally the President's authority over against seminary
and college personnel

2.

To create a commission on cultural change

3.

To engage executives on contract

4.

To base representation at conventions not only on number of congregations but also on
communicant strength

5.

To conduct united campus ministries

6.

To create a commission on lay higher education

7.

To utilize regional counselors for the deaf in the ordinary work of Circuit Counselors

8.

To elect convention delegates at mass voters meetings of the Circuits

9.

To confirm the Synod's previous (before Detroit) position on woman suffrage

503. The closing prayer was offered by Sommermeyer.
Herbert Mueller, Secretary.

MINUTES OF COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Chicago, Illinois, March 27-28, 1967
504. Luessenhop opened the meeting with prayer. Kuenne presided. With "College" changed to "Council"
in 497, it was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as submitted.
505. Election Procedures: Secretary Mueller called attention to the fact that a special committee appointed
by resolution of the Detroit convention was presenting detailed recommendations regarding the
nomination.and election of the President and Vice-Presidents. The Commission therefore resolved to
rescind its earlier decision to submit an overture with respect to the same matter. It was, however, decided
to send a copy of our proposed overture for information purposes to the floor committee with reasons
outlined why the Commission feels that certain wording in the Commission's overture is preferable to that
presented by the special committee (e.g., nominating ballot instead of primary election, simple declaration
of election rather than a ballot cast by the Secretary).
506. New Handbook Chapter on Pensions: The Commission gave close attention to a new Handbook
chapter drafted by Attorney Brown on the basis of Luessenhop's rewrite. The following changes were
made by the Commission. Heading: Pensions, Support, and Welfare. Board of Pensions and Support.
Each District sub-committee (10.09). Persons Eligible ...Not eligible ...for support (10.11 and 10.13). All
doubtful cases (10.13 c). Elimination of 10.19. New sub-heading: Pension Plan and Supplemental
Benefits for Pastors and Teachers. Supplemental Pensions (10.33). It was then decided to recommend a
change in name for this board, and to reverse sections B and C with paragraph numbering also changed
accordingly. The Commission then resolved to adopt the draft as submitted by Brown and amended.